SFSpaz
Google
I began the first step of my semi-world journey in Hokkaido, Japan, and Ino`s Place has truly spoiled me.||||After flying from SF to LA, to Tokyo Narita, to New Chitose, then hopping on the JR to Shin-Sapporo, then on the subway, then walking four blocks to Ino`s Place, I couldn`t have picked a better place to land after such a long trip. ||||The place is welcomingly laid out, cozily decorated, and the owners are beyond sweet. Eiji-san was patiently waiting for me, since I`d be getting in past closing time. Beds are comfortable, showers nice and hot (especially after having been in three planes and two trains). Free hot tea/coffee/Internet are abound.||||Miwa-san is sweet and incredibly helpful, full of great conversation. The owners really make you feel at home. They were fine with me bringing in a surfboard and I was able to keep it in my room without worry.||||The hostel itself is in a great location, just a short walk from the subway, only four stops from the city center, and a great place to set up base for seeing Sapporo. There are restaurants along the main strip that the hostel is just off of, including a local ramen house which is run by a friendly family that Miwa-san highly recommended. There`s a food center down the street and a 100-yen store close by. ||||I`m bound to stay an extra night (maybe two).I wanted to check out the Otarunai Backpacker`s Hostel while debating on going up to Otaru, and Miwa-san even offered to call them for me, as she knew the owner personally. ||||Do not hesitate. Book your reservation. You won`t regret it, and you won`t want to leave!